A note from the editor
Oreo Jones is the founder of the Chreece hip-hop festival, happening Aug. 24 in Fountain Square. He's known for his project with experimental hip-hop trio 81355 (bless) and his solo work.Â
Day One
Today Is a special day. My friend Regan and I have been planning a surprise birthday party for my partner, Jane. We’ve been together for seven years and I honestly think this is the first time I’ve been able to pull a fast one on her. I found a hibachi chef on Twitter and now they are cooking in the back yard. Jane cried.
Day Two
I’m traveling with Jane to Warsaw, Ind., to celebrate my niece Bellamy’s 6th birthday. Eastlake Skate Center is the move. This place is amazing. The design and decor esthetics are the same as I remember growing up. Jane asked one of the employees if she could buy a pair of the rental skates — they said no.
I bought Bellamy a tiny pair of Jordan 1 high tops — I’m the world’s greatest uncle.
Driving back to Indianapolis. Today marks the anniversary of my moving to the city, 20 years ago. I have now lived here the majority of my life. Crazy.
Day Three
My three-legged cat, Xander, woke me up this morning.
It’s the last day of my gym membership so I have to take advantage. It’s been feeling like a one-sided relationship the last few months and I’ve been here for four years on and off — I think I need a change.
On Sundays I try to do absolutely nothing. I’m bouncing back and forth between a couple of different books. Right now I’m delving into Toni Morrison’s “Tar Baby.” Before bed, I’ll finish David Goggins’ “Can’t Hurt Me” for a little reflection and motivation, as I’ve been in kind of a funk.
Day Four
I woke up to a text from Karl that the test presses from the new record I’ve been working on have arrived at the Joyful Noise Records office. This feels like a great way to start the day.
No morning routine today — just trying to jam on the fest. Chreece feels like taking care of a giant puppy in need of an extreme amount of constant attention. There are also a lot of things I have to try and attempt to take care of today before the holiday:
Middle of the Mall Chic
Cultural Trail
Jack Daniels
Detour Map
Graffiti Artists
Day Five
Woke up early to finish scanning photos for the “Nephew” project with Rena.
It’s been awhile since I’ve released an album. This feels like the best work I’ve ever created. I’m feeling kind of old yet still very inspired.
I can’t seem to take my foot off the gas today
Measuring windows with Conner
Red Bull
Planning Indiana Jones memorial battle the Tube Factory with Shauta and Jane. I really could use some of Ron’s dragon energy at the moment. I miss my friend so much.
Chreece After Party
Son Lux
My good old friend Annie Skinner
Drayco McCoy
Jake With A Shot
Day Six
Texted images back and forth with my old friend Wolly to brainstorm my head tattoo. In the end we all turn to dust.
I’m in a funk today — feeling a bit overwhelmed from the crippling weight of society.
The July 4th holiday weekend seems kind of bizarre to me as I’ve grown older. It was so fun when I was a kid.
Beech Grove fireworks at Joe’s with Blvck and the tribe. Joe has an arsenal of mortars and the neighborhood is rocking.
I insist that we listen to the Mad Decent Blood Bros mixtape: https://soundcloud.com/maddecent/blood-bros-first-blood
Day Seven
Waking up really early to go fishing with my buddy Weddle and his dog Billy, just a lil’ north off the White River. After about 20 minutes in, I broke the tip of my pole off so I had to jimmy rig and fix the end. Looks like I’m fishing with a pee wee pole. A few nibbles, but alas we leave with nothing.
It’s been ages since I’ve had breakfast at Milktooth.
Trying to break through the writer’s block this afternoon.
Ending my week with yet another birthday — Cancer season is in full effect.
This evening we celebrate Nigel. That’s my DAWG.
Jane and I end the night by putting our minds in neutral and watching “The Beekeeper,” where Jason Statham is a beekeeper who beats the hell out of telephone scammers.
Culture Journal is a series that shares a week in the cultural lives of Indy residents. If you are interested in submitting a journal, email arts and culture editor Jennifer Delgadillo at jennifer.delgadillo@mirrorindy.org and tell us about yourself.
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